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IoJ tries to build bridge with IFJ

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International Federation of Journalists general secretary Aidan White has been invited to address the Institute of Journalists conference in Berlin in October. The invitation follows the decision by the IFJ to refuse to accept the IoJ as members of the organisation.

The IoJ has lodged an appeal against the IFJ’s decision and is organising a petition to the European Parliament.

Its latest attempt for membership was rejected at the IFJ’s congress in Athens last month, following objections by the NUJ, which claims the IoJ shows no solidarity with other unions and is not involved in collective bargaining or campaigns.

The IoJ’s International Division and representative Mary Tomlinson, who spoke for the Institute at the IFJ congress, are enlisting the help of MEPs and other EU officials.

“Why should there not be two unions from the UK in the IFJ?” asked Tomlinson.

“The IFJ are the losers. We have a lot to offer and in these times of terrorism and crisis, all journalists and unions should be standing shoulder to shoulder and not playing silly games.”